The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.
Isaiah 9:2
Words: Jean Mauburn, 15th Century (O Ter Fæcundas, O Ter Jucundas). Translated from Latin to English by Edwin C. Leaton-Blenkinsopp in Lyra Messianica, edited by Orby Shipley (London: Longman, Green, Longman, Roberts & Green, 1864), pages 76–77.
Music: Eagley James Walch, 1860 (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good picture of Mauburn, Leaton-Blenkinsopp or Walch (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Thrice joyful night, with blessings dight,
Which saw the Savior’s birth;
From Heaven high my God is nigh
To calm the woes of earth.
When Eve’s sad fall had, like a pall,
Enshrouded all our race,
As man He came, for man to claim
A light for earth’s dark face.
Th’eternal Light, the Godhead bright,
In swathing bands they fold;
The King of all in lowly stall
The ox and ass behold.
Th’almighty Word whom hosts adored
A silent infant lay;
The sun grows old, its beam falls cold;
What mean these marvels? Say!